Decisions made

Limbo is an exceptionally difficult thing - probably one of the most challenging mental states in which a person can find themself. I have been essentially living in limbo for over 7 years. As I approached my graduation from UMass-Amherst in May 2007, I didn't have work lined up, and didn't know where my career would take me. Since then, I have owned 2 businesses, and worked for a number of different companies - national tours, cruise ship, and traveled both all over the U.S.A. and around the world. It has been amazing, but still, difficult because it is limbo and I haven't had a real home since 2010. The other day, the not knowing when my visa would be approved and I could join my husband, especially not knowing if we would be together for our first anniversary, was really getting to me. My friend, Mindi, said, "Why don't you just ask them what would happen if you went to visit - since they said you can visit - and your visa was approved while you were there?" It planted a seed, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. They said 5-12 months for the approval window - so what if I already had my airfare purchased to fly out around the 6 month mark? Could I stay for 3 months and have it be approved and just go visit another country and be good to go? I called Paul and asked him what he thought. His first knee-jerk reaction was "We can't afford it, especially if you're not approved when you get here." Then he started thinking about it, and we decided that worst case scenario, I would be a stay-home writer for 6 months and he'd have to support me (as my sponsor, it's his job! *grin*). We decided that it would be worth it to just go ahead and plan for me to arrive before our first anniversary - so we can have that, Christmas, and New Year's together as it should be. So I am working out the details, but it looks like I will be flying out to my mom around October 7 so we can go to the big hot air balloon festival that week in Albuquerque. Then on November 4, I will likely be flying to Australia to join my husband. The end of September will be the 5-month mark for having filed my visa, so there is actually a fair chance it may be approved before I leave the country in November. So the end is in sight - the light is bright at the end of the tunnel. Thanks to all for your love, support and prayers - and here's hoping the visa comes in before I leave!

Immigration Update

Yes, I know I've been bad and not written for a while. I think of you often, and keep wanting to share what's going on, but the truth is that we're still in limbo right now. Paul is in Australia working away like a busy little bee trying to get our life together. He's got a teeny little flat about 100m from Henley Beach, and works practically every day to save money and pay off debt he discovered his ex-wife ran up into the thousands in his name before she left the country. I'm working 2 jobs trying to pay down my own debt and save money. We are missing each other terribly, and treasure those few moments we get to see each other on Skype 2-3 times a week (the 13.5 hour time difference makes it challenging sometimes). We received a "here is your final checklist" email about a month ago from Immigration, so we're hoping we will hear something soon. When we do, you'll be the first to know! :)